Platinum Eyelid Weights

Many of us take blinking our eyes or closing them when we go to sleep at night for granted but imagine if you lost the ability fully close one or both eyes. For many people who have facial paralysis, loss of eyelid function is a real concern. Platinum eyelid weights can restore full eye closure. Learn more about this surgical treatment option on this page, or get started with a consultation by contacting the knowledgeable professionals at Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – a division of U.S. Dermatology Partners.

What Are Platinum Eyelid Weights?

Platinum eyelid weights are a unique surgical solution for patients who struggle to blink or fully close their eyes due to facial paralysis. This leaves the eyes exposed to potential irritation or injury, and it causes eye dryness and even blindness. Thin platinum eyelid weights allow the eye to fully close. There are numerous sizes and shapes available, so they can be comfortably placed to achieve the desired results without causing a noticeable change in the appearance of the eyelids. The procedure is performed by making a small incision in one of the eyelid’s natural creases to hide the future scar. Then, the small weight is inserted. The entire platinum eyelid weight placement procedure is relatively quick and entirely reversible. If the patient regains eyelid function, the weight can be removed in a short visit.

Benefits of Platinum Eyelid Weights

There are many benefits of choosing platinum eyelid weights to ensure eye function, including:

• Allowing for complete passive and intentional eyelid closure
• Protecting the eye from damage and irritation
• Improving the ability to blink
• Increasing eye moisture
• Biocompatible platinum is safe even for those who have sensitivity to metals
• The ultra-small weight won’t interfere with metal detectors or MRIs

Recovery After Platinum Eyelid Weight Placement

Immediately following treatment, patients will experience swelling, bruising, and discoloration. These symptoms may increase for the first few days before starting to improve. Most symptoms resolve within two weeks, but it may take several months for the symptoms to resolve entirely. Be conscious of the fact that when you’re sleeping, your eyes may swell up, but that overnight swelling should subside through the day.

The surgeon will provide specific instructions to follow during healing, but most patients should:

• Apply ice packs as long as tolerated for the first three days. Then, apply an ice pack for twenty minutes at a time a few times a day for the next week.
• For the first week, sleep propped up or seated in a recliner to reduce pressure on the eyelids.
• The day after treatment, you can shower and wash your face. Be gentle around the incision.
• Apply antibiotic ointments and take oral antibiotics as directed by your surgeon.
• Take pain relievers to manage discomfort.
• Avoid strenuous activities and exercise for the first two weeks.
• Do not use cosmetics for the first few weeks following surgery.

Risks Associated with Platinum Eyelid Weight Placement

Like other surgical procedures, platinum eyelid weight placement has risks. Your surgeon will take steps to reduce any risks before, during, and after the procedure.

However, if you notice any of the following warning signs, contact your facial plastic surgeon as soon as possible as they are warning signs of more serious concerns:

• Fever
• Vomiting or nausea
• Pain that increases instead of subsiding
• Numbness or tingling